I first heard about King Leopold II of Belgium and the atrocities of the Congo about a year ago. I was amazed to learn that this man was responsible fI first heard about King Leopold II of Belgium and the atrocities of the Congo about a year ago. I was amazed to learn that this man was responsible for the death of an estimated 10 million people during the late 1890s and early 1900s but yet I have never heard of him. I was immediately drawn to the period of time.

The book doesn't solely speak about King Leopold II, it takes into account many other people, organizations, and countries that supported or opposed horrors of the Congo. It's a very interesting part of history that has seldom been highlighted. The number of deaths is staggering. The bulk of the deaths can be attributed to murder, exposure to the elements, disease, exhaustion, low birth rate, and other factors related to the force slave labor gather ivory and rubber.

The book is filled with unimaginable characters, some brave and others that committed heinous acts.

The sequel to Lalita Tademy's first book, Cane River. Much like the first book, this story is based on historical fiction. Whereas the first book focuThe sequel to Lalita Tademy's first book, Cane River. Much like the first book, this story is based on historical fiction. Whereas the first book focused on the lineage of her mother, the second book focuses on her father's lineage. It starts after the Civil War during the Reconstruction Era, a time in history when African-American gained their freedom, were allowed to vote, participate in politics, own land, and do other things that are taken for granted.

It focuses on three generations, dating back to the late 1800s. The story mostly takes place in Colfax, Louisiana. Upon doing research, the author discovered that she had family members that were involved in a historical event referred to as the Colfax Riot. In actuality, it was more of a massacre. The story unravels from there.

**spoiler alert** I've never read any of Tom Clancey's books, but I have a feeling that Basil Sands books run in the same vein. The main character is**spoiler alert** I've never read any of Tom Clancey's books, but I have a feeling that Basil Sands books run in the same vein. The main character is a Marine that is very good at his job, killing. However, he appears to have a heart of gold. He has a great personality and has people who love and care for him, and vice versa. The author tells his story in a manner that becomes apparent that he has done his research in regards to the military life. As the story unravels, it sucks you in. The fact that it all takes place in Alaska is even more compelling. The environment itself serves as a character. If I had one complaint, it would be how people he served with in the military just happened to be in Alaska.